Teen TV star and Nashville newcomer Jennette McCurdy has been hand-picked by Faith Hill as her opening act at a couple of California concert dates in July. Jennette — who is one of the stars of the Nickelodeon hit, ‘iCarly,’ will open for the country superstar July 23 at the Ironstone Amphitheatre in Murphys, Calif. and July 24 at the OC Fair and Event Centre in Costa Mesa, Calif.

About to turn 18 this month, Jennette actually scored her first acting job by way of Faith, when she was just 8 years old — in Faith’s music video for ‘The Way You Love Me.’ It was at that tender young age Jennette was bitten by the acting bug. It was also when she was stung with a burning desire to be a singer.

Jeannette has actually been a fan of country music since the time she was 7 years old, when her grandmother introduced her to Patsy Cline. She’s been writing songs and poetry ever since. Last summer, on her 17th birthday, Jennette was signed to Capitol Nashville.

Her debut album, ‘The Story of My Life’ is due at the end of June. The first single from the album, ‘Not That Far Away,’ (which was chosen by readers of The Boot!) is a song Jennette co-wrote with Rachel Proctor and Blair Daly.

“Faith Hill was a huge influence in my desire to pursue a career in country music,” Jennette says. “To open for her is an honor and I’m so thrilled!”

Jennette is also actively involved with Starlight Children’s Foundation, serving as StarPower Ambassador, encouraging other young people to commit time and energy to help brighten the lives of seriously ill children.

CAPITOL/NASHVILLE threw an 18th birthday party for their newest artist, JENNETTE McCURDY, who plays “SAM” in the NICKELODEON TV series, “iCARLY.” JENNETTE invited local kids from BELLEVUE MIDDLE SCHOOL, one of the hardest hit areas of NASHVILLE, to enjoy a night of fun, food and games.

The party was held MONDAY night (6/21) at AVENUE in downtown NASHVILLE and it included a live DJ, video games, smoothie and ice cream stations, a special birthday cake in the shape of the number 18 and a special birthday video featuring KEITH URBAN, LADY ANTEBELLUM, DIERKS BENTLEY, DARIUS RUCKER, McCURDY’s iCARLY castmates and others wishing her a happy birthday.

A representative from UGLY DOLL, a favorite of JENNETTE’s, was on hand to present her with a life-size UGLY DOLL. CAPITOL/NASHVILLE Pres. MIKE DUNGAN also gave her an iPAD. In lieu of gifts, JENNETTE asked guests to bring a new pair of socks to be donated to local flood victims through HANDS ON NASHVILLE.

In addition to the BELLEVUE kids, members of the music industry, Country artists and their children also joined in on the fun. MARTINA McBRIDE’s daughter EMMA was in attendance, as was VINCE GILL and AMY GRANT’s daughter CORRINA. PHIL VASSAR’s daughters PRESLEY and HALEY came and JAMIE O’NEAL brought her daughter ALIYAH.

JENNETTE is currently putting the finishing touches on her debut album, “The Story Of My Life,” which includes her current single, “Not That Far Away.” For more on JENNETTE, see www.jennettemccurdy.com.

It looks like Microsoft is already flexing their star power for their upcoming Project ‘Natal’ press conference featuring Cirque De Soleil with Jennette McCurdy best known for playing the role of Sam Puckett on Nickelodeon show iCarly.

Straight from her Twitter account:

“I’m really excited to be co-hosting the Project Natal Xbox event Sunday featuring a Cirque De Soleil performance. E3! Woohoo!”

Oddly enough, the circus act is coming full-circle because Nintendo launched the Nintendo 64 at E3 back in 1996 with Cirque du Soleil performers, and this year Microsoft is launching Project Natal with Cirque du Soleil performers.

Even last year Microsoft had two Beatles present the fantastic game The Beatles: Rockband with enough enthusiasm they could muster. Let’s see if that McCurdy can win the Microsoft gaming press over. ‘WooHoo!’ indeed Jennette.

Update: Via Twitter: “Countdown to Sunday’s Project Natal event. I can’t wait to see what Cirque De Soleil has planned! #CirqueDeSoleil #ProjectNatal @Xbox”

Apparently she’s in the dark, also. Fun.